Andrew Coston will lead the Gustavus Center for Career Development.
Andrew Coston has been named the Executive Director of the Center for Career Development, Gustavus Adolphus College Vice President for Student Life JoNes VanHecke announced today. Coston, who joins the Gustavus community after serving as the director of career services at Cecil College in North East, Maryland, will begin his duties on the hill in early August.
“I am so pleased that Andrew Coston will be joining Gustavus Adolphus College as the new executive director of the Center for Career Development. Andrew brings an impressive depth and breadth of experience, including having envisioned and then fully implemented a career program at his previous institution,” VanHecke said. “His experience as a strong supervisor and outstanding leader were key qualities we sought and his student-centric approach to his work is both accomplished and consistent with the values of the Gustavus Student Life division.”
The Gustavus Center for Career Development hosts a reception with alumni mentors last fall.
In addition to his 20 years of career development work, Coston stood out during the search process for his well-rounded understanding of the student experience. During his time at Cecil College, he also taught select courses as an adjunct instructor and served as head women’s basketball coach, Title IX administrator, member of the Multicultural Student Advisory Board, and chair of the College Management Team responsible for strategic planning, policy review and development, and the campus budget process. Coston has been recognized for building strong partnerships with the admission office, advising center, and student services to support students’ development of career skills and readiness.
“I believe that career and personal development go hand-in-hand and that a holistic approach equips students for success,” Coston said. “It’s about understanding the whole student—their academics, talents, interests, and maturity level—all those things come into play and should be considered when helping them reach their goals.”
Coston holds a bachelor’s in psychology from Assumption College, a master’s in school counseling from Loyola College, and is in the process of completing a Doctor of Education degree at Morgan State University. He is a member of the National Career Development Association, National Resume Writers Association, National Council on Black American Affairs, and the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault.
He takes over leadership of the Gustavus Center for Career Development at a time when the office is expanding programmatic offerings, partnerships with academic departments and employers, and mentorship and internship opportunities as the result of the $10 million grant that was announced in November 2017. By pairing analytics and technology with staff who specialize in different career cluster fields, Gustavus seeks to build a top liberal arts career services operation that supports all students as they explore, experience, and successfully transition from college to career. The focus on integrated education, vocational reflection, and mentoring are key elements of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan, the College’s bold, 10-year vision to equip students to lead purposeful lives and to act on the great challenges of our time through an innovative liberal arts education of recognized excellence.
“I’m excited about the commitment that Gustavus has made to the idea that all students should develop a career plan and the investment of time, resources, and staff to make that happen,” Coston said, emphasizing that career development services are for all students regardless of major or interest. “It’s important to help students clarify their passions. If we do that and get to know each student as a person, we can best connect them with mentors, internships, and ultimately a successful career.”
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510